Articles by CarsGuide team

Many find negotiating with a private seller to be easier than with a dealer. Private sellers have different motivations, their overheads are most often non-existent, and they are less likely to hit you with a scripted sales pitch.A private seller may also be unsure of the exact value of their car. Here are our tips for good negotiations in the private market.Be nice, be on timeBe considerate whenever you contact the seller to organise a test drive or view the car, discuss the price or clarify details. Every interaction means a temporary interruption on their normal life – use common courtesy to be polite and flexible to accommodate both of your needs.If they’re dealing with someone who is rude, demanding or impolite, they’re more likely to stop talking to you than lower their asking price. If they warm to you personally, you’re more likely to get what you want.Cash in handYou shouldn’t make yourself a target by walking around with your car-money scattered throughout your bag or stashed in your pockets. But when it comes to negotiating a price, your most powerful and alluring asset is the presence of cold, hard cash.Having cash on hand and being willing to pay up and drive away is hugely influential on private sellers. It makes the whole transaction simple and easy.The best way to negotiate is to refuse to negotiateThe best way to negotiate with a private seller is to not negotiate at all. Simply tell them what you’re willing to pay. If they’re not willing to budge, then this is not the car for you.As long as you’ve done your research and have a firm idea of price, have your cash ready to go and are clear on your needs, you’re in control. Alternatively, haggleSome people love to haggle. Here’s the low-down on bartering your way to a bargain. Decide on the ballpark figure the seller is likely to accept, and offer something a little lower than that number.Say, 5% lower. Sometimes, the seller will say yes. Almost every time, they will say no. This is when you ask for their best price.What happens next is telling. If they simply repeat the advertised price, it’s probably time to walk away. But if there is a counter-offer, it’s time to haggle. Stay committed to your pre-determined price.Raise your offers in small and specific increments, no greater than $500 at a time. As the negotiations approach your limit, defer temporarily (I need to talk it over with my Mrs/Hubby, friend, brother, sister, parents etc.), and offer to come back to them.Then leave. Just make sure they have your number, they may have a change of heart and give you a call after all. 

One of the main perks of buying a new car over a used car is the ability to be certain of its history.With a new car, you know it hasn’t been in an accident, you know it hasn’t been used to practice hill starts, its life to date has been with the manufacturer and the dealer. Because you know its history, you can make some assumptions about its future.With used cars, you have to do your best to recreate that foundation of knowledge. You need to know as much as you can about what you’re buying, where it’s been, how it’s been treated and how reliable it’s likely to be in the future. ResearchResearch the model you’re considering. Know what it looks like in its stock form, read online owner forums to see if there are any common problems or known-issues with a particular model, learn as much as you can about the car in a universal sense.Investigate this particular car. Do the VIN, engine and registration numbers match? Is the car listed as a write-off? Is it stolen? Is there a clear title on the car? How frequently has the registration been transferred? Was this car always a personal car?We recommend running a REVS Check, and if you’re really concerned, order a car history report.Ask questionsMake sure you talk to the seller about the car’s history.Are you the original owner? (If not, how many owners came before you? How long have you owned the car?) Has it ever been in an accident? Has it ever had any major body or engine work? Have any of the large mechanical components been replaced? Why are you selling it?DocumentationAs well as asking for an verbal history of the car, ask for the servicing log books, receipts for other work done (if you notice modifications to the car, this is important) and, of course, registration documents. Ensure the roadworthy certificate is no older than 30 days.What about dealers?Buying a used car from a dealer won’t require this level of personal investigation. Dealers cannot sell a car that has money owing on it, and they are required to provide a 30-day roadworthy guarantee. You still want copies of its service log and documents regarding any aftermarket modifications it may have. 

We all know the main drawback of buying a new car is depreciation. Read any car-related article and you’ll get the spiel on depreciation and new cars.While it’s important that people know the full extent of depreciation, it’s not the whole story. There are plenty of reasons to go with a brand new vehicle, despite the matter of resale value.PriceThe ticket price may be higher for a new car, but if you’re getting finance the interest rate is usually lower than if buying used. If you’re looking at your budget right now, those percentage points really add up.We’re not saying it will be cheaper to go with a new car, but you may find it will be pretty equal in the long run, all things considered.ServicingDon’t forget the servicing differential. Maintenance is generally not required before several thousand kilometres of driving, so a new car’s consumables (batteries, rubber bits, plastic bits, filters and so on) won’t need expensive attention for your first few years of ownership. Free servicing often comes as part of the sales package on new cars anyway.TechnologyCars are like computers. Every year they’re featuring with new technology that contributes to greater fuel efficiency, increased safety standards and fewer nasty emissions.The only way to ensure you’re getting the best of this stuff is to buy the new model. Not to mention all of the electronic bells and whistles like Bluetooth, parking sensors, heads-up display and much, much more.Roadside assistanceAnother serious perk of new car ownership is the included roadside assistance. Even if your car is in tip-top shape, it’s entirely possible you’ll get a flat tyre or forget to turn off your lights (unless they turn themselves off). Often, basic roadside assistance plans are bundled up in the new car purchase price, so you’re covered! 

If you announced a wedding after a 20-minute date, it’s almost certain that your friends and family would be alarmed. Yet, many people will buy a car having only spent five minutes driving it on smooth roads around the dealership.Before you walk inHave your lists ready. You should have a list of models you’re interested in comparing and things to check for across all models. Note any model-specific questions you may have (for example, will the smart car have enough cargo room for your golf clubs – the answer is no).Make your intentions clearWhen you arrive, tell the dealer you’re looking to test drive a few models. You want it to be clear that you’ve done your homework, and it’s just a matter of refining the options and finding the best deal.You also want to state that you’re not specifically attached to any of the cars on the dealer’s lot. There are plenty of other lots to peruse, and plenty of other dealers to deal with.Make the arrangementsTell the dealer you want to test the car overnight. It’s an arrangement many dealers allow, and if it’s clear you’re evaluating options rather than casually browsing then you have a good chance of taking the car home with you.Push for it, but if you can’t make it happen then at least be sure you can test the car for a significant period of time, and you can take it on your own route. Don’t allow yourself to be rushed through a test drive.Drive it properlyYou want to test the car across a variety of terrains, so it’s ideal to have a route in mind. The best are those you drive every day - from your house to the office, from the office to day care, up and down the highway you take every weekend.You want to see how the car handles across a range of situations and speeds. (Don’t forget to do a lot of merging so you get a good idea of its visibility dynamics.)As well as paying attention to its mechanical performance, make sure you’re comfortable with the placement and operation of the primary controls. As cheesy as it sounds, ergonomics can make all the difference for driver comfort. Don’t forget to adjust your seat, the steering column and of course the mirrors to properly assess how you feel behind the wheel.A few things to put on your check list:Turn the steering wheel from full-lock left to full-lock right. There should be no strange noises or feelings - no whining, no knocks or clunks. With the handbrake on, gently put your foot on the accelerator. The brake should hold you in the one spot. Move the car through its full gear range. Gear changes should be smooth, with a sound resembling a ‘snick’ rather than a ‘crunch’. If you’re testing a manual car, be sure the clutch’s friction point (when it starts to bite in and engage) sits about halfway between the pedal being fully depressed and fully released. There shouldn’t be any noises coming from the engine. Knocking, squealing, banging, clunking, whistling, whirring... They’re all bad. Back to backBe sure you’re testing cars back-to-back and in similar conditions so you can make the best, most direct comparison. If you’ve arranged to keep the cars overnight, jot down your thoughts immediately after driving it. Note: Dealers will push hardest for a sale right after you’ve taken a test drive. Resist! Finish your other tests, or take some time to reflect on the tests you’ve had, before agreeing to anything.ConsiderationsOverall, does it meet all your needs? Does it accommodate your lifestyle, your passengers and your cargo? Can you afford to fuel it? Can your parents get in and out of it? Can your kids? If it all looks, feels and sounds good, you’re almost done. 

Tyre fitters across Australia will wear pink this Friday to raise money for the McGrath Foundation breast cancer charity.

Unlike the days of the Model T ford that came in only black now each model of car comes in a number of different varieties called badges or variants. All of these different badges/variants have slightly different specification that are individula to that badge/variant.These can include more powerful engines, different fuel types, more airbags and safety features and even small accessories such as bluetooth and body modifications.These differences in a car can make a big difference to its purchase and resale value that's why it's so important to make sure you know not only the make and model of car you want to buy but also the variant.Only by doing a car search can you be sure that you are getting what you pay for when your buying or asking the right price when your selling.

You’re having a baby (or another baby, or another couple of babies)! Once you’ve decorated the nursery, shortlisted some names and picked the pram, it’s time to consider the car.Once you have a family, the urge to want to protect them and keep them safe comes naturally. We all know the roads can be dangerous, so with your child’s safety in mind, here are a few things to consider when shopping for a family car.The back seat – how many baby capsules or children’s seats can you fit across the back seat? Is there enough room there for you to fit them in there without having your own legs crushed up under the dash Anchor points – how many seat anchor points are there? Where are they positioned? An anchor point on the boot lip will use up some boot space, whereas one on the back of the rear seat will not.  Rear window – what is the configuration of the rear window? Is it housed in a sloping hatchback? This puts any baby in a rear-facing capsule in direct sunlight. If unavoidable, rear air-conditioning vents can help to keep them comfortable despite the sun, and there are after-market sunshades you can attached to the rear windows. Boot space – boot space is super important when you have a family. You need to be able to fit the pram, a nappy bag and the shopping at a minimum. You also need the mouth of the boot to be wide enough to fit the pram in without having to dismantle any part of the boot.  Doors – it’s best if the car doors open wide enough to get a baby capsule (or toddler) in and out without a struggle. Safety – safety ratings are important. ANCAP is an independent rating system for the Australasian car market that conducts occupant and pedestrian protection provided by different new car models, in the most common types of crashes.Keeping these things in mind when selecting a family car can make an enormous difference to your day-to-day experience. There are choices that can make everything a bit of a struggle, and there are choices that can make your life much easier. Keep this checklist in your pocket when looking at different models. 

When people think about the resale value of their car, they mostly consider its mechanical and cosmetic condition as driving that value.While the overall condition makes up the majority of your car’s worth, there are other factors you can leverage when selling your car.Utility and location. When buying a car, you think about where it will go, what you will need it to do, and which model will be best at fulfilling your needs. So does everyone else. Where you’re selling your car will have some effect on its resale value. If we think in terms of Sydney CBD, for example, any car sold within a 5km radius of the city centre will likely spend much of its time squeezing between parked cars on narrow roads, backing in to small spaces and generally trying its best to be as tiny as possible. Someone selling a compact Mazda3 in this area is likely to attract more of an audience than someone selling a Ford Falcon. Why? Because the local landscape makes size a burden. Further out in the suburbs, however, you’re likely to find just as many people looking for an economic and roomy sedan as a compact hatchback. Style. Like any market, cars are at the mercy of buyer taste – meaning trends will hold direct sway over demand for your car. It pays to be aware of them. As with utility, you’ll find that the car’s locale will have a lot to do with its perceived “cool factor”. There aren’t too many tricks to figuring this out. The types of cars you see a lot of will be the ones that sell best. Selling a car in a classic colour, as opposed to a faddish one, will also ensure your car appeal is as universal as possible. Upgrades. Some car upgrades can contribute significantly to your car’s worth. Anything that makes the car’s operation less of a chore and more of a treat will generally fetch you a little more at sale. Things like automatic transmission, leather trim, sunroof and electric windows are valuable to most buyers. ABS is almost expected as standard these days, making it an upgrade option that people will pay you for. Aftermarket customisations and stereo kits do not generally add anything to the resale value, as these are more niche interests. Documentation. In the private market especially, any documentation (service logs, receipts for any work done) that demonstrates the car has been well cared for will convey to buyers that they’re dealing with a genuine and trustworthy car owner, making it easier for them to buy with confidence. Condition. Despite all the other considerations, condition is king, so one of the best ways to preserve your resale value is to maintain the car’s overall health. Keep it clean, keep it serviced and keep its interior unblemished. This simple principle alone will go a long way towards ensuring best possible resale price.

Chrysler majority owner Fiat has announced that the US cluster of car brands will not launch a public stock offering this year. In a statement yesterday, Fiat said Chrysler's board has decided an initial public offering would be "not practicable" this year.Instead, Chrysler Group LLC will keep working towards an IPO in the first quarter of next year. Fiat holds 58.5 per cent of Chrysler's shares, with the rest owned by a United Auto Workers union trust fund. The IPO would consist of the trust's shares.The CEO of both car groups, Sergio Marchionne, is keen to avoid an IPO and have Fiat buy the trust's shares so the two companies can be fully combined, allowing him to spend Chrysler money on Fiat operations."I'm not selling anything and nor do I think we need to do so," Marchionne said in October. However he filed the paperwork for an IPO as he and the trust have been in conflict over the price for a sale of the trust's share to Fiat, with no agreement reached.Last month, UBS AG set the value of the trust's stake at $US5.6 billion ($A6.1 billion). Fiat has gone to court seeking a judgement on the price, but the trial date is set for next September.While Fiat stepped in as a perceived 'saviour' to shore up the struggling Chrysler by buying into it two years ago, Chrysler's profits have been propping up Fiat on the balance sheet during 2013 as the Italian carmaker struggles in the European economic slump.Chrysler earned $US464 million last quarter on US sales of the Ram pickup and Jeep Grand Cherokee, its ninth-straight profitable quarter. The results boosted Fiat, which earned $US260 million in the third quarter. Without Chrysler's contribution, Fiat would have lost $US340 million.

Subaru have revealed a new circuit-prepped version of its new WRX STI ahead of the roadgoing model’s official debut in Detroit next week. The single rendered image of the new racer in sponsors’ livery is our first official look at Subaru’s new flagship WRX model – although we’ve already seen multiple leaked images showing the WRX STI from every angle earlier this week.Compared with the production model, the racing version sports bolt-on wheelarch flares on all corners, extra bonnet vents, carbon-fibre splitter and ailerons added to the front bar, plus a race-spec rear bar, diffuser and rear wing. Race-spec forged wheels are also visible, with upgraded brakes with compote rotors for coping with the rigours of racing.The Japanese brand’s performance arm – Subaru Tecnica International – or STI have developed the car to take on the Nurburgring 24-Hour race in June, where it will aim for its third victory in the SP3T class in seven years. Along with the Nurburgring 24-Hour, STI will field entries in the Japanese Super GT Series with a BRZ-based racer in 2014, plus privateer rally entries in the WRC2 and ERC.